Continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener and the structure impervious to fluid thereof

ABSTRACT

A continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener includes two support tapes each having opposing first face and second face, two rows of coupling elements respectively formed of a continuous length of monofilament and respectively secured to along the inner longitudinal edge of the second face of each of the two support tapes, a high polymer elastic member bonded to the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge of each support tape and transversely extending from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge to a predetermined distance, each high polymer elastic member further having a covering portion on the inner longitudinal edge of the second face of the associating support tape and a filling portion penetrates into inner chinks in the associating row of coupling elements, and a fluid impervious film covered at least on the first face of each support tape and the associating high polymer elastic member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to a waterproof slide fastener and moreparticularly, to a continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener.

2. Description of Related Art:

Slide fasteners are commonly seen in daily life and often deemed asnecessary fastening devices; due to the property of easily being closedor open, a slide fastener is adopted in various applications, such asgarments, bags, tents or skiwear involved.

Because slide fasteners are adopted in various objects, they can be seenon various occasions, but those slide fasteners adopted in garments ofsports or devices of the outdoors, like skiwear, windbreaks, raincoats,tents, or those adopted in snow or travel equipments, even like asleeping bag, are all subject to nature test, the weather for instance.

For achieving the function of wind breaking and waterproof, materials ofnylon or cloth processed with a water-repellent finishing are used asfabrics for making skiwear of outdoors and a waterproof interlining isalso provided, thus a waterproof function is obtained. There is adisadvantage on a slide fastener when applied as a fastening device onthe skiwear in view of waterproof function, for the whole waterproofproperty may not be totally provided. Moreover, in operation, a chinkdefined the central slit between the support tapes and the couplingelements of a slide fastener would be enlarged by an transversalexternal force, which is the most difficult issue needed to be addressedto for a waterproof slide fastener, because such disadvantage wouldlower the whole waterproof property or even lose the whole waterprooffunction.

In view of the aforesaid drawbacks, improved slide fastener structuresare created to provide a waterproof function. Regular nylon slidefasteners, i.e. continuous-coil type slide fasteners include threetypes: (1) capable of prohibiting water penetration under zero externalpressure; (2) capable of prohibiting low pressure water penetration; and(3) capable of prohibiting high pressure water penetration. Regularwaterproof slide fasteners commonly have a fluid impervious film (layer)covered on one side of each support tapes.

According to the aforesaid type (1), a fluid impervious film is bondedto each support tape to repel water. Exemplars of this design are seenin Taiwan Patent No. 1220106; U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,764,437; 4,580,321;4,596,065; 4,607,416; 4,724,586; 6,105,214 and 6,427,294. Thesedisclosures show only the relative positioning difference between thefluid impervious film and the support tape. With respect to the centralslit between the two support tapes, the aforesaid disclosures commonlyteach the way to have the left and right sided fluid impervious filmlayer protrude over the inner longitudinal edge of the associatingsupport tape so that the two fluid impervious films are squeezed againsteach to curve upwards for prohibiting penetration of water when theslide fastener is closed. However, when operating a slide fastener, atransverse tensile force will be produced and applied to each supporttape to stretch open the central slit between the two support tapes andthe two rows of coupling elements, causing an enclosure failure andpermeation of water.

Further, if the fluid impervious film protrudes upwards, a specialdesign of slider, for example, the slider of U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,351shall be used, avoiding damage of the fluid impervious film caused bythe slider. In this case, the range of application of the slide fasteneris limited.

Further, Taiwan Patent No. 1220106 discloses a waterproof slidefastener, which has the fluid impervious film bonded to the two supporttapes subject to the curvature of the fabric surface. Afterinstallation, the fluid impervious film is high stretched. After thefluid impervious film is cut off along the central slit between the twosupport tapes, the inner longitudinal edge of each support tape isexposed to the outside of the fluid impervious film. Thus, waterpermeation due to a capillary effect may occur.

Exemplars of continuous coil type slide fasteners that are capable ofprohibiting permeation of pressured fluid are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,389,441; 3,501,816; 4,112,150 and 5,437,888. These patents teachfilling and wrapping of a fluid impervious material in and about eachrow coupling elements to prohibit permeation of water through the tworows of the coupling elements of the slide fasteners. The fluidimpervious film is arranged on the support tape as the same side as theassociating row of coupling elements as shown in FIG. 2 of the U.S. Pat.No. 3,501,816. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,745 discloses an invisiblewaterproof slide fastener using metal coupling elements forinterlocking. These slide fasteners must use a specially designed sliderto move the coupling elements into the locking condition. FIG. 3 of U.S.Pat. No. 3,668,745 and FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,351 disclosedifferent sliders for this application. These waterproof slide fastenersand sliders do not fit the environmental protection and fashionrequirements for a product having light, thin, short and smallcharacteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances inview. It is one object of the present invention providing acontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener, which eliminates waterpermeation due to a capillary effect and prohibits transferring anexternal force to the inside of the slider to interfere with theordering of the coupling elements.

It is another object of the present invention providing acontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener, which can be made in anyof the various forms by means of a special manufacturing process fordifferent applications, providing an excellent waterproof functionduring the use, avoiding damage of the fluid impervious film.

To achieve these and other objects of the present invention, acontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener comprises a pair ofsymmetrical support tapes each having a first face, and a second faceopposites to the first face and ; the vertical wall of an innerlongitudinal edge joins the first face and the second face; two rows ofcoupling elements respectively formed of a continuous length ofmonofilament and respectively secured to the support tapes along theinner longitudinal edge of the second face of each of the two supporttapes; wherein a high polymer elastic member is bonded to the verticalwall of the inner longitudinal edge of each of the two support tapes andtransversely extends from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinaledge of each of the two support tapes to a predetermined distance, thehigh polymer elastic member further comprising a covering portion on theinner longitudinal edge of the second face of each of the two supporttapes, and a filling portion penetrates into inner chinks in each of thetwo rows of coupling elements bonded to each of the two rows of couplingelements; a fluid impervious film is covered on the first face of eachof the two support tapes and the high polymer elastic member. Further,the high polymer elastic member and the fluid impervious film are cutoff along the central slit between the two support tapes.

It is still another object of the present invention providing a fluidimpervious structure for continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener,which eliminates water permeation due to a capillary effect between thetwo support tapes and enables a high polymer elastic member to be filledin spaces and inner chinks in between each support tape and theassociating row of coupling elements, enhancing smoothness and stabilityduring interlocking between the two rows of coupling elements.

It is still another object of the present invention providing a fluidimpervious structure for continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener,which has the high polymer elastic members and the support tapesdesigned in contrast colors or added with a light reflective material,enhancing the level of safety and the sense of fashion while maintainingthe waterproof function.

To achieve these and other objects of the present invention, acontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener comprises a pair ofsymmetrical support tapes each having a first face, and a second faceopposites to the first face ; the vertical wall of an inner longitudinaledge joins the first face and the second face; two rows of couplingelements respectively formed of a continuous length of monofilament andrespectively secured to the support tapes along the inner longitudinaledge of the second face of each of the two support tapes; wherein a highpolymer elastic member is bonded to the vertical wall of the innerlongitudinal edge of each of the two support tapes and transverselyextends from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge of each ofthe two support tapes to a predetermined distance, the high polymerelastic member further comprising a covering portion on the innerlongitudinal edge of the second face of each of the two support tapesand a filling portion penetrates into inner chinks in each of the tworows of coupling elements. Further, the fluid impervious film is cut offalong the central slit between the two support tapes.

BRIEF DESCSRIPION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a continuous coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the present invention, showing theposition of the two support tapes and the two rows of coupling elementsin the slider.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing relative position of one supporttape in the slider between the present invention and the prior artdesign.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener in accordance with a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener in accordance with a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the fluid imperviousstructure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the fluidimpervious structure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the fluidimpervious structure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the fluidimpervious structure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, a continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is showncomprising a pair of oppositely disposed support tapes 1. The supporttapes 1 may be prepared from a knitted or woven fabric. When necessary,the support tapes 1 can be made elastically stretchable in weft or warpdirection. Each support tape 1 has a first face 1 a and a second face 1b opposite to the first face 1 a. Each support tape 1 has a row ofcoupling elements 2 secured along the inner longitudinal edge of theinner surface, namely, the second face 1 b thereof with sewing stitches21.

The row of coupling elements 2 is formed from a continuous length ofnylon or polyester monofilament through a heating and spirally rotatingprocedure into a continuous helical coil structure, and secured alongthe inner longitudinal edge of the second face 1 b of each support tape1 with sewing stitches 21. When viewing from the top side, the two rowsof coupling elements 2 are concealed beneath the two support tapes 1 andkept from sight.

As shown in FIG. 1, each support tape 1 has at least one face thereof,for embodiment, the first face 1 a covered with a fluid impervious film3. The fluid impervious film 3 may be a high polymer elastic filmprepared from, but not limited to, polyurethane (PU). The fluidimpervious film 3 is bonded to the first face 1 a of each support tape 1with an adhesive 4. The other face, namely, the second face 1 b of eachsupport tape 1 is treated with a water repellent agent, enhancing thewaterproof effect.

The main features of the present invention are outlined hereinafter.Each support tape 1 has a high polymer elastic member 5 bonded to thevertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 thereof. The highpolymer elastic member 5 is prepared from thermoplastic urethane (TPU)or silicon rubber. The high polymer elastic member 5 extendstransversely from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 ofeach support tape 1 to a predetermined distance when bonded thereto. Thehigh polymer elastic member 5 is adapted to fill up the central slit ofthe slide fastener and to shield the fibers of the first face 1 a of theinner longitudinal edge 11 of each support tape 1. After bonding of thehigh polymer elastic member 5 to each support tape 1, a fluid imperviousfilm 3 is adhered to the first face 1 a of each support tape 1 and theassociating high polymer elastic member 5. Thus, the fluid imperviousfilm 3 and the high polymer elastic member 5 are joined together. Thisarrangement prevents permeation of a fluid through exposed fibercapillaries of the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 ofeach support tape 1 or the central slit between the two support tapes 1into the second surface 1 b of each support tape 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the two rows of coupling elements 2 of the twosupport tapes 1 are interlocked by means of a slider 6. The high polymerelastic member 5 is bonded to the vertical wall of the innerlongitudinal edge 11 of each support tape 1 by means of a hot-pressforming technique. After formation, the height of the high polymerelastic member 5 at each support tape 1 is slightly lower than the firstface 1 a of each support tape 1. After adhered the fluid impervious film3 to the first face 1 a of each support tape 1 and the associating highpolymer elastic member 5, a recessed area exists corresponding to thehigh polymer elastic member 5 at each support tape 1, facilitatingpassing of the internal ribs 61 of the slider 6. Thus, thecontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener is compatible todifferent commercial sliders for slide fastener. When thecontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener is closed, the highpolymer elastic members 5 of the support tapes 1 are abutted againsteach other to block the central slit 7 in between the two support tapes1. At the same time, the fluid impervious films 3 of the support tapes 1are also abutted against each other, enhancing the waterproof effect.

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing comparison between the presentinvention and the prior art waterproof slide fastener. In FIG. 3, line cindicates the position of the edge of the high polymer elastic member 5at the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 of one supporttape 1 of the continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener inaccordance with the present invention and the edge of the high polymerelastic member 5 kept in contact with the internal needle lock 62 andrib 61 of the slider 6; line c′ indicates the position of the edges ofone support tape and the associating fluid impervious film of the priorart waterproof slide fastener. As shown in FIG. 3, the contact areabetween line c′ and the internal needle lock 62 and rib 61 of the slider6 is much greater than the contact area between line c and the internalneedle lock 62 and rib 61 of the slider 6. The invention uses the soft,durable and tough high polymer elastic member 5 to substitute for thecoarse and hard support tape and fluid impervious film of the prior artdesign, thereby overcoming the drawbacks of poor waterproof effect andlow durability of the prior art design.

FIG. 4 illustrates a continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. When thehigh polymer elastic member 5 is bonded to the vertical wall of theinner longitudinal edge 11 of the support tape 1, it forms a coveringportion 51 that wraps about the inner edge of the second face 1 b.Thereafter, the fluid impervious film 3 is adhered to the first face 1 aof each support tape 1 and the associating high polymer elastic member5. After bonding, the fluid impervious film 3 protrudes over the inneredge of the associating high polymer elastic member 5. Further, the highpolymer elastic member 5 penetrates into inner chinks in the associatingrow of coupling elements 2, forming a filling portion 52 to enhance thewaterproof effect and durability of the continuous-coil type waterproofslide fastener.

As stated above, the high polymer elastic member 5 penetrates into innerchinks in the associating row of coupling elements 2, forming a fillingportion 52 that resists against a transverse tensile force to open thecentral slit between the two support tapes 1. Further, the high polymerelastic member 5 does not protrude over the associating row of couplingelements 2. Because the row of coupling elements 2 and the fluidimpervious film 3 are not curved outwards relative to the respectivesupport tape 1, the invention does not require a specially designedslider. Therefore, the invention enhances the durability of the slidefastener and prevents permeation of a forced fluid. FIG. 5 illustratesthe use of the covering portion 51 and filling portion 52 of the highpolymer elastic member 5 in an invisible slide fastener, i.e., the rowof coupling elements 2 is secured to the folded edge of the second face1 b of each support tape 1 and kept from sight. Thus, a conventionalinvisible slide fastener can be modified into a waterproof slidefastener, forming a third embodiment of the present invention.

In conclusion, if the support tape 1 has the characteristic oftransverse elasticity, as shown in FIG. 6, the transverse tensile forceF produced during the use of the slide fastener will be absorbed orlessened by the elastic structure P of each support tape 1 and will notbe transferred to the interlocked points between the two rows ofcoupling elements 2 to open the central slit 7 in between the twosupport tapes 1, enhancing the waterproof effect.

As shown in FIG. 7, if part T of the support tape 1 is elasticallystretchable in longitudinal direction, as the disclosure of U.S. Pat.No. 6,494,236 of the present inventor, a slide fastener made of thisspecially designed support tape 1 provides a side-curving function,widening the application range of the waterproof slide fastener.

Actually, in order to improve waterproof function, the inventionutilizes the high polymer elastic member 5 to fill the central slit inbetween the two support tapes 1 of the slide fastener and to shield theexposed fibers of the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 ofeach support tape 1. The fabrication of the waterproof slide fastenerincludes the step of:

(1) filling a proper amount of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) into thecentral slit in between the two support tapes 1 with a pressure as theslide fastener is closed, thereby forming a high polymer elastic member5 on the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edges 11 of the twosupport tapes 1; or

(2) filling a proper amount of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) onto thevertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 of each of the twosupport tapes 1 with a pressure, thereby forming a respective highpolymer elastic member 5 on the vertical wall of the inner longitudinaledge 11 of each of the two support tapes 1. After formation of the highpolymer elastic member 5 on the vertical wall of inner longitudinal edge11 of each of the two support tapes 1, a fluid impervious film 3 isformed on each of the two support tapes 1 by:

(1) directly or indirectly laminating a thermoplastic high polymerelastic material, for embodiment, but not limited to, thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU) on the first face 1 a of each of the support tapes 1by extrusion lamination technique, thereby forming a fluid imperviousfilm 3; or

(2) coating an adhesive 4 evenly on the back side of a fluid imperviousfilm 3 prepared from, for embodiment, but not limited to, thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU), and then adhering the fluid impervious film 3 to thefirst face 1 a of each of the support tapes 1 directly by a hot-press;or

(3) coating an adhesive 4 on the first face 1 a of each of the supporttapes 1 evenly, and then adhering a fluid impervious film 3 preparedfrom, for embodiment, but not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU) to the adhesive 4 on the first face 1 a of each of the supporttapes 1 by a hot-press process; or

(4) directly adhering a fluid impervious film 3 of thermoplastic highpolymer elastic material, for embodiment, but not limited to,thermoplastic polyurethane that has a thermoplastic adhesive 4 providedat the back side thereof to the first face 1 a of each of the supporttapes 1.

The fluid impervious film 3 and high polymer elastic member 5 of thewaterproof slide fastener are cut off subject to the step of:

(1) cutting off the fluid impervious film 3 and the high polymer elasticmember 5 with a cutting tool at one same time after bonding of the fluidimpervious film 3 in case the high polymer elastic member 5 is formed bymeans of filling a proper amount of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) intothe central slit in between the two support tapes 1 with a pressure; or

(2) cutting off the fluid impervious film 3 with a cutting tool in caseone respective high polymer elastic member 5 is formed on the verticalwall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 of each of the two support tapes1 by respectively filling a proper amount of thermoplastic urethane(TPU) onto the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 of eachof the two support tapes 1 with a pressure.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various different embodiments of the fluidimpervious structure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates afirst embodiment of the impervious structure of the continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener in accordance with the present invention. Thisembodiment eliminates the arrangement of the aforesaid fluid imperviousfilm on the first face 1 a of each support tape 1 but has the first face1 a of each support tape 1 be treated with a water repellent agent,enhancing the waterproof effect. If the support tape 1 is woven frommicro-fiber yarn, it can be treated with a water repellent agent toprovide an excellent waterproof effect, preventing permeation of anon-pressure fluid that is not forced by an external force. As shown inFIG. 8, the waterproof slide fastener comprises two oppositely disposedsupport tapes 1. The support tapes 1 may be prepared from a knitted orwoven fabric. When necessary, the support tapes 1 can be madeelastically stretchable in weft or warp direction. Each support tape 1has a first face 1 a and a second face 1 b opposite to the first face 1a. Each support tape 1 has a row of coupling elements 2 secured alongthe inner longitudinal edge of the inner face, namely, the second face 1b thereof with sewing stitches 21.

The row of coupling elements 2 is formed from a continuous length ofnylon or polyester monofilament through a heating and spirally rotatingprocedure into a continuous helical coil structure, and secured alongthe inner longitudinal edge of the second face 1 b of each support tape1 with sewing stitches 21. When viewing from the top side, the two rowsof coupling elements 2 are concealed beneath the two support tapes 1 andkept from sight.

In actual practice, the two rows of coupling elements 2 can berespectively secured to the two support tapes 1 with sewing stitches 21,thereby forming a C-type slide fastener, as shown in FIG. 8.Alternatively, the two rows of coupling elements 2 can be respectivelydirectly secured to the two support tapes 1 by warp and weft yarns 22during weaving the support tapes 1, thereby forming an S-type slidefastener as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the two rows of couplingelements 2 can be respectively directly secured to the folded secondface 1 b of each of the two support tapes 1, thereby forming aninvisible slide fastener as shown in FIG. 10.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-10, the fluid imperviousstructure is to bond a high polymer elastic member 5 to the verticalwall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 of each support tape 1. The highpolymer elastic member 5 can be prepared from thermoplastic urethane(TPU) or silicon rubber. Further, the high polymer elastic member 5extends transversely from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinaledge 11 of the associating support tape 1 to a predetermined distanceand filled in spaces and gaps in between the respective support tape 1and the respective row of coupling elements 2.

The high polymer elastic member 5 is adapted to fill up the spaces andinner chinks in between the respective support tape 1 and the respectiverow of coupling elements 2 and to shield the fibers of the vertical wallof the inner longitudinal edge 11 of respective support tape 1. Thisarrangement prevents permeation of a fluid through exposed fibercapillaries of the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge 11 ofthe support tape 1 or the central slit between the two support tapes 1into the second surface 1 b of each support tape 1.

As stated above, the high polymer elastic member 5 penetrates into innerchinks in the associating row of coupling elements 2, forming a fillingportion 52 to resist against a transverse tensile force in opening thecentral slit between the two support tapes 1. The high polymer elasticmember 5 penetrates into the inner side of the associating support tape1, thereby forming a covering portion 51 that enhances the waterproofeffect. Because the high polymer elastic member 5 is not curved outwardsrelative to the associating support tape 1, the invention does notrequire a specially designed slider. Therefore, the invention enhancesthe durability of the slide fastener and prevents permeation of a fluid.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the application of the filling portion52 of the high polymer elastic member 5 in an invisible slide fastener,i.e., the two rows of coupling elements 2 are respectively secured tothe second face 1 b of each of the two support tapes 1 and kept fromsight. By means of the application of the technical features of thepresent invention, a conventional invisible slide fastener is formedinto an invisible waterproof slide fastener.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the fluidimpervious structure of the continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener in accordance with the present invention. According to thisembodiment, the two positioning tapes 8 are respectively provided at theouter side of each of the two rows of coupling elements 2 so that theheight of each high polymer elastic member 5 is maximized withoutprotruding over the positioning tapes 8. This arrangement does notrequire a specially designed slider while enhancing the durability andfluid impervious functions.

In order to improve the fluid impervious function, the inventionutilizes high polymer elastic members 5 to fill up spaces and chinks inbetween the respective support tapes and the respective rows of couplingelements 2 and to shield the exposed fibers of the vertical wall of theinner longitudinal edge 11 of each support tape 1. Thus, the preparationof the waterproof slide fastener is as follows:

Fill a proper amount of a polymeric material, for example, thermoplasticurethane (TPU) in any desired color into the central slit in between thetwo support tapes 1 with a pressure as the slide fastener is closed forenabling applied thermoplastic urethane (TPU) to penetrate into chinksin the two rows of coupling elements 2, thereby forming a high polymerelastic member 5 on the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edges 11of the two support tapes 1. The finished high polymer elastic member 5does not protrude over the sewing stitches 21 of each positioning tape8.

After the applied thermoplastic urethane (TPU) for high polymer elasticmember 5 covered the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edges 11 ofthe two support tapes 1 during the high polymer elastic member 5formation process, keep applying the applied thermoplastic urethane(TPU) to have it penetrate into chinks in the two rows of couplingelements 2, and apply a water repellent agent to the first face 1 a ofeach of the two support tapes 1 at the same time. The support tapes 1are not limited to ultra-high density fabric.

After formation of the high polymer elastic member 5 on the verticalwall of the inner longitudinal edges 11 and chinks in the two rows ofcoupling elements 2 of the two support tapes 1, it is directly cut offinto two separated high polymer elastic members 5 with a cutting tool,and a finished product of fluid impervious slide fastener is thusobtained.

In conclusion, the invention has numerous advantages and features asfollow:

(1) When the slide fastener is closed, the high polymer elastic membersand/or the fluid impervious films shield the central slit of the slidefastener and the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge of each ofthe two support tapes, eliminating water permeation due to a capillaryeffect.

(2) Connection between each row of coupling elements and the associatingsupport tape does not require an enhanced fastening arrangement,facilitating the fabrication of the slide fastener and maintain highflexibility of the slide fastener; the invention prohibits transfer ofan external force to the inside of the slider to interfere with theordering of the coupling elements, thereby reducing the risk of damageand improving the yield rate.

(3) When the high polymer elastic members and the fluid impervious filmstouch each other at the central slit, they are squeezed against eachother, thereby shielding the gap in between the two support tapes as thetwo support tapes are transversely outwardly stretched during the use ofthe slide fastener, and therefore the slide fastener effectivelymaintains the waterproof function.

(4) The invention utilizes flexible, durable and tough high polymerelastic members to substitute for conventional rough support tapes andthe fluid impervious films, avoiding the fluid impervious film damage bythe internal needle lock and rib of the slider upon friction.

(5) The design of the present invention to use the contact surfacesbetween the two high polymer elastic members for constituting thecentral slit between the two support tapes eliminates overlap of supporttapes due to excessive contracting of the support tapes after dying.

(6) The design of the present invention to use the contact surfacesbetween the two high polymer elastic members for constituting thecentral slit between the two support tapes prevents a support tapecutting damage when cutting off the fluid impervious film.

(7) The formation of the high polymer elastic member on the verticalwall of the inner longitudinal edge of each support tape extends thecontact area in the central slit between the two support tapes from aline contact status to a surface contact status, improving the fluidimpervious function.

(8) The support tapes can be made having a transversely elasticcharacteristic. In this case, the elastic structure at each support tapeabsorbs the generated transverse tensile force during the use of theslide fastener, avoiding opening the central slit by the transversetensile force, improving the fluid impervious function.

(9) The support tapes can be made having a longitudinally elasticcharacteristic. A waterproof slide fastener using this kind of supporttapes provides a side-curving function, widening the application rangeof the waterproof slide fastener.

(10) The high polymer elastic member at each support tape penetratesinto spaces and chinks in between the support tape and the associatingrow of coupling elements, enhancing smoothness and stability duringlocking between the two rows of coupling elements.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described indetail for purposes of illustration, various modifications andenhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except asby the appended claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener,comprising: a pair of symmetrical support tapes each having a firstface, a second face opposite to said first face forming an inner edgebetween the second face and a vertical wall of an inner longitudinaledge joining said first face and said second face; two rows of couplingelements respectively formed of a continuous length of monofilament andrespectively secured to said support tapes along said inner edge of thesecond face of each of said two support tapes; wherein a high polymerelastic member is bonded to the vertical wall of the inner longitudinaledge of each of said two support tapes and transversely extending fromthe vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge of each of said twosupport tapes to a predetermined distance, said high polymer elasticmember further comprising a covering portion on said inner edge of thesecond face of each of said two support tapes and a filling portionpenetrates into inner chinks in each of said two rows of couplingelements, said high polymer elastic member being cut off along a centralslit between said two support tapes two symmetrical pair of positioningtapes relatively narrower than said support tapes, said two positioningtapes being disposed and respectively attached to said two rows ofcoupling elements at an outer side opposite to said support tapes andrespectively secured with said two rows of coupling elements to thesecond face of each of said two support tapes with sewing stitches. 12.The continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener as claimed in claim11, wherein said support tapes are woven from micro-fiber yarns, havinga water repellent characteristic.
 13. The continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein said supporttapes are treated with a water repellent agent to provide a waterrepellent function.
 14. The continuous-coil type waterproof slidefastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein said support tapes are preparedfrom knitted fabrics elastically stretchable in weft direction.
 15. Thecontinuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener as claimed in claim 11,wherein said support tapes are prepared from knitted fabrics elasticallystretchable in warp direction.
 16. The continuous-coil type waterproofslide fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein said two rows of couplingelements are selectively prepared from rows of C-type coupling elementsand rows of S-type coupling elements.
 17. The continuous-coil typewaterproof slide fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein said highpolymer elastic members are selectively prepared from the material groupof thermoplastic urethane and silicon rubber.
 18. (canceled)